GASTRONOMIC TOUR FOR 6 DAYS
This 6-day gastronomic tour will allow you to enjoy the diverse flavors of Albania, exploring both traditional dishes and modern interpretations of the country’s culinary heritage while discovering its vibrant culture and beautiful landscapes. Enjoy the journey!
Tips
Renting a car is the best option for this gastronomic tour, giving you the flexibility to visit vineyards, wineries, and remote villages where traditional Albanian dishes are served.
Local Specialties to Try: Byrek, Qebapa, Tavë Kosi, Fërgesë, Sarmale, Flija, Burek, Qofte, and Koc (spicy stews).
The best time for a culinary tour in Albania is from late spring to early autumn (May–October), as the weather is pleasant and many local ingredients are at their freshest.
Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival in Tirana – Explore the Capital’s Culinary Scene
Morning:
Arrive in Tirana, the capital of Albania, and check into your hotel.
Afternoon:
Visit Pazari i Ri, the vibrant market in the heart of Tirana. Sample fresh local produce, cheeses, olives, and traditional Albanian herbs.
Take a Tirana Food Tour with a local guide. Taste traditional Albanian snacks like byrek (savory pastry), tavë kosi (lamb with yogurt), and fërgesë (peppers, tomatoes, and cheese).
Evening:
Dinner at Era Restaurant, renowned for authentic Albanian dishes. Try qebapa (grilled minced meat), flija (layered savory pastry), and lakror (a type of pie).
Experience Tirana’s nightlife and savor a glass of Raki, a traditional Albanian spirit.
Morning:
Arrive in Tirana, the capital of Albania, and check into your hotel.
Afternoon:
Visit Pazari i Ri, the vibrant market in the heart of Tirana. Sample fresh local produce, cheeses, olives, and traditional Albanian herbs.
Take a Tirana Food Tour with a local guide. Taste traditional Albanian snacks like byrek (savory pastry), tavë kosi (lamb with yogurt), and fërgesë (peppers, tomatoes, and cheese).
Evening:
Dinner at Era Restaurant, renowned for authentic Albanian dishes. Try qebapa (grilled minced meat), flija (layered savory pastry), and lakror (a type of pie).
Experience Tirana’s nightlife and savor a glass of Raki, a traditional Albanian spirit.
Day 2: Tirana to Berat – UNESCO Heritage & Wine Tasting:
Morning:
After breakfast, drive to Berat (approx. 2 hours), a UNESCO World Heritage town.
Afternoon:
Visit Berat Castle and enjoy panoramic views.
Wine tasting at Theber Winery, sampling indigenous varieties like Shesh i Bardhë (white) and Vranac (red). Pair wines with local cheeses and meats.
Evening:
Dinner at Mangalem Restaurant, featuring dishes like tavë me misër (cornmeal and meat stew) and qofte (meatballs). Don’t miss fërgesë.
Morning:
After breakfast, drive to Berat (approx. 2 hours), a UNESCO World Heritage town.
Afternoon:
Visit Berat Castle and enjoy panoramic views.
Wine tasting at Theber Winery, sampling indigenous varieties like Shesh i Bardhë (white) and Vranac (red). Pair wines with local cheeses and meats.
Evening:
Dinner at Mangalem Restaurant, featuring dishes like tavë me misër (cornmeal and meat stew) and qofte (meatballs). Don’t miss fërgesë.
Day 3: Berat to Gjirokastër – Explore the “City of Stone”
Morning:
Drive to Gjirokastër (approx. 2 hours), known for Ottoman architecture.
Afternoon:
Tour Gjirokastër Castle and the Ethnological Museum.
Join a cooking class to prepare sarmale (stuffed cabbage rolls) and pasticë (pastry dessert).
Evening:
Dinner at Cajupi Restaurant. Sample qifqi (rice balls) and tavë kosi (lamb and yogurt), complemented by southern Albanian wines.
Morning:
Drive to Gjirokastër (approx. 2 hours), known for Ottoman architecture.
Afternoon:
Tour Gjirokastër Castle and the Ethnological Museum.
Join a cooking class to prepare sarmale (stuffed cabbage rolls) and pasticë (pastry dessert).
Evening:
Dinner at Cajupi Restaurant. Sample qifqi (rice balls) and tavë kosi (lamb and yogurt), complemented by southern Albanian wines.
Day 4: Gjirokastër to Vlorë – Coastal Cuisine & Seafood Delights
Morning:
Depart for Vlorë (approx. 2.5 hours), a coastal town known for seafood.
Afternoon:
Explore the Llogara Pass and its stunning views of the Ionian Sea.
Wine tasting at Torelli Winery, featuring Sauvignon Blanc and Chardonnay paired with local cheeses.
Lunch at a seaside restaurant with grilled fish, kalamari (squid), and bulushi (sea bass).
Evening:
Dinner at a seafood restaurant, enjoying pasta with seafood and soupe de poisson (fish soup). Pair with local white wines.
Relax at a seaside café.
Morning:
Depart for Vlorë (approx. 2.5 hours), a coastal town known for seafood.
Afternoon:
Explore the Llogara Pass and its stunning views of the Ionian Sea.
Wine tasting at Torelli Winery, featuring Sauvignon Blanc and Chardonnay paired with local cheeses.
Lunch at a seaside restaurant with grilled fish, kalamari (squid), and bulushi (sea bass).
Evening:
Dinner at a seafood restaurant, enjoying pasta with seafood and soupe de poisson (fish soup). Pair with local white wines.
Relax at a seaside café.
Day 5: Vlorë to Saranda – Wine, Olives & Albanian Riviera
Morning:
Drive to Saranda (approx. 2 hours), a coastal gem along the Ionian Sea.
Afternoon:
Visit Bova Winery to taste Shesh i Bardhë and Vlosh, complemented by olives and fresh bread.
Walk along Ksamil Beach or visit Butrint’s ancient ruins (UNESCO site).
Evening:
Dinner at Restaurant 7 Perla. Enjoy grilled lamb, seafood risotto, and local appetizers like borek and feta cheese with tomatoes.
Sip local wine while watching the sunset.
Morning:
Drive to Saranda (approx. 2 hours), a coastal gem along the Ionian Sea.
Afternoon:
Visit Bova Winery to taste Shesh i Bardhë and Vlosh, complemented by olives and fresh bread.
Walk along Ksamil Beach or visit Butrint’s ancient ruins (UNESCO site).
Evening:
Dinner at Restaurant 7 Perla. Enjoy grilled lamb, seafood risotto, and local appetizers like borek and feta cheese with tomatoes.
Sip local wine while watching the sunset.
Day 6: Saranda – Exploring the Flavors of the Albanian Riviera
Morning:
Visit a local olive farm to learn about olive harvesting and taste premium olive oils.
Afternoon:
Participate in a coastal cooking class. Prepare fresk (fish dish), salmon with herbs, and revani (sweet semolina dessert). Enjoy lunch featuring your creations.
Evening:
Final dinner at a seaside restaurant, savoring grilled fish, shellfish, and mussels. Pair with local white wine and enjoy the scenery.
Morning:
Visit a local olive farm to learn about olive harvesting and taste premium olive oils.
Afternoon:
Participate in a coastal cooking class. Prepare fresk (fish dish), salmon with herbs, and revani (sweet semolina dessert). Enjoy lunch featuring your creations.
Evening:
Final dinner at a seaside restaurant, savoring grilled fish, shellfish, and mussels. Pair with local white wine and enjoy the scenery.
Day 7: Departure
Day 7: Departure
Depart from Saranda, concluding your culinary journey through Albania.
Day 7: Departure
Depart from Saranda, concluding your culinary journey through Albania.